Highlights
Explore Tamil Nadu and Kerala by bike – the most immersive way to explore the laid-back states
Interact with the friendly local people as we cycle through a variety of landscapes
Ride through emerald tea estates and spice plantations
Experience authentic rural India with a stay at a family-run plantation in the Mavady Hills
Cruise the backwaters of Kerala on a traditional rice barge – a classic experience in South India!
Itinerary
Pedal from the Bay of Bengal to the Arabian Sea on the 'Southern India Coast to Coast Ride,' a challenging 14-day bicycle tour crafted for experienced travelers seeking an active and immersive experience. Journey through Tamil Nadu’s tranquil backroads and vibrant temples, then ascend into the lush tea estates of the Western Ghats before unwinding in Kerala’s serene backwaters. With highlights like Pondicherry’s French colonial charm and Madurai’s awe-inspiring Sri Meenakshi Temple, this trip’s USP lies in its unique route—offering rare access to lesser-visited regions and the chance to see southern India’s dramatic contrasts from the saddle.
day 1Arrive Chennai; transfer to Pondicherry via the shore temples of Mahabalipuram
Begin your adventure in Chennai this morning, meeting the group at Chennai Airport. From here it's a 3hr 30min group transfer to Pondicherry. We normally take a break at Mahabalipuram, home to shore temples and rock carvings. Carving in stone is still a living art here and we see stonemasons chipping away along the roadside, practicing skills that have flourished for centuries.
On arrival in Pondicherry, we have a chance to freshen up and have lunch before we assemble the bikes and explore this former French colony on a 4mi (6km) ride to Promenade Beach.
Around 6pm, we gather as a group to get to learn more about the adventures ahead over a welcome meeting. Your tour leader then arranges a group dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Want more time in Chennai or Pondicherry? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative
day 2Circular ride passing the spiritual commune of Auroville. Enjoy lunch in the old quarter.
day 3Pleasant ride along village roads to experience rural life. Afternoon ride to Chidambaram
day 4Riverside ride to the old Nayak capital of Thanjavur; afternoon visit to the town and Royal Palace
day 5Long ride through the Tamil Nadu heartland to Chettinad
day 6Scenic ride to Madurai, a highlight of any trip to India
day 7Morning to explore Madurai. Transfer to lunch; ride past Indian vineyards; final ascent into the Western Ghats and Thekkady
day 8Free day to relax or visit Periyar National Park
day 9Ride through tea estates; tea factory stop; continue to Vagamon
day 10Cycle through rubber and spice plantations to Kottayam
day 11Morning to explore or relax by the lake; board a houseboat
day 12Final ride along the coast road to Fort Kochi
day 13Free day in Kochi
day 14Adventure ends in Kochi
What's Included
Customer Reviews
Another Incredible Trip
A feast of experiences and sensations.
Beautiful and Exhilarating coast to coast ride
A perfect mix of scenic backroads and vibrant town streets, offering an authentic glimpse into India’s culture. The locals were incredibly friendly, always greeting us with smiles and curiosity as we passed through their villages. Kerala’s relaxed vibe, combined with its stunning landscapes, made every ride a joy. Our tour leader was outstanding—knowledgeable, approachable, and always ready with helpful tips or an encouraging word during the challenging climbs. From the breathtaking tea plantations to the tranquil backwaters, every moment was memorable. Highly recommend this trip for those seeking adventure, cultural immersion, and great camaraderie!
Southern India coast to coast
Fully immersive into the local culture, the trip takes in the ways of life across a hugely populated and relatively underdeveloped state of Tamil Nadu and the more prosperous and relatively developed state of Kerala. It is not for the faint heated as long cycling days end with relatively modest accommodation and throughout the local food is the only option, and toilet stops basic.
Cycling though paradise
Loved this trip. Tamil Nadu was lush and the people very friendly. Lots of wildlife. Hindu temple in Madurai was really worth a visit. Food was fantastic. Tamil Nadu and Kerala very different places. Western Ghats forests and tea plantations stunning. Kerala was beautiful. Decent hotels. Good guide and back up team. They could not have been more patient and kind. The cycling at times was challenging. Some days the temperature was 38 with high humidity. The roads were generally very good apart from day 3 which was an awful road. There were a lot of punctures that day. It was for me the hardest day. More like mountain biking. There are some long flat days at the start and some hills in the middle which were actually ok( I did the recommended pre trip training). The days in the hills were the best. I wasn’t mad about the houseboat stay. I’d have been happy with a day boat trip and another night on dry land. I enjoyed every day though (even day 3).
The ideal India experience
This is not a trip for the faint-hearted : but if you are ok in temperatures of 30 degrees and over; you are a keen cyclist, can cycle 100km and cope with frenetic and unruly city traffic; you have an interest in foreign culture and religion ; and you have a strong tolerance of pungent smells this is the trip for you! I went prepared for this.....and thought it was great!
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